DENVER (AP) – Philip Rivers overcame an interception and a
fourth-quarter fumble to lead the San Diego Chargers to a 29-24 win
over Denver despite Tim Tebow’s (TEE’-boh’s) best efforts to rally
the Broncos from a 16-point deficit.
Tebow threw for one touchdown and ran for another after
replacing Kyle Orton to start the third quarter, and had one final
shot for the win before his pass fell incomplete in the end zone on
the final play.
Nick Novak kicked five field goals and Ryan Mathews ran for a
career-best 125 yards for San Diego, which takes a 4-1 record into
its bye week.
Denver (1-4) is full of questions heading into its break, chief
among them: Is this Tebow’s team or was this just a temporary fix?
Orton was awful in the first half.
He completed 6 of 13 passes for 34 yards with no touchdowns and
an interception.
BRONCOS-TEBOW TIME
Tim Tebow takes over for Kyle Orton in 2nd half
DENVER (AP) – The Denver Broncos went with Tim Tebow (TEE’-boh)
at quarterback to start the second half Sunday against San Diego.
A fan favorite, Tebow was instantly greeted with a chorus of
cheers as he trotted onto the field. The crowd was so loud that
Tebow couldn’t hear the play call in his helmet.
Tebow went three-and-out in his first series. He did complete a
short pass to wide receiver Eric Decker.
Starter Kyle Orton had a horrible first half, completing 6 of 13
passes for 34 yards. He also threw one interception.
Tebow was involved in one play during the first half, gaining 2
yards on a carry.
BRONCOS-DAWKINS INJURED
Brian Dawkins hurts neck against San Diego
DENVER (AP) – Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins walked slowly
off the field after hurting his neck on a collision in the end zone
Sunday against San Diego.
Dawkins was shaken up late in the first quarter when he collided
with teammate D.J. Williams and Chargers tight end Randy McMichael
while breaking up a pass.
The perennial Pro Bowler stayed down on the field for a few
minutes before walking to the bench with trainers at his side.
The 37-year-old Dawkins entered the game banged up after missing
time in practice with an ankle ailment.
CHARGERS-TOLBERT INJURED
Mike Tolbert leaves game with concussion
DENVER (AP) – San Diego Chargers running back Mike Tolbert left
Sunday’s game with a concussion and didn’t return.
Tolbert finished with five carries for 24 yards Sunday against
Denver. The bruising back also had three catches for 25 yards.
Starting tailback Ryan Mathews received a bulk of the carries,
even if he was slightly dinged up. Mathews strained his calf in the
first half.
Fullback Jacob Hester also figured to receive more carries.
CHARGERS-BRONCOS INACTIVES
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates out for a 3rd week in a row
DENVER (AP) – San Diego Chargers Pro Bowl tight end Antonio
Gates was inactive for a third week in a row with lingering plantar
fasciitis in his right foot.
Randy McMichael started in his place Sunday at Denver.
The Chargers also were without defensive ends Jacques Cesaire
(knee) and Luis Castillo (tibia).
Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal was held out for a third
consecutive week with a groin injury.
Eric Decker took his place in the starting lineup.
